Grilled Italian Pesto Panini Recipes

PESTO PANINI WITH FRESH MOZZARELLA AND TOMATO

Steps:

• Preheat panini grill, if using. Spread pesto on each slice of bread. Place mozzarella slices on top of pesto.
• Layer with fresh tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt. Place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top.
• Spread the top and bottom of bread with softened butter. Grill the sandwiches on panini grill, about 3 minutes per side. The paninis are done when the cheese is completely melted and the bread is toasted and golden.
• **If you don't own a panini grill, you may use a skillet. Heat over medium-low heat and flip after 3-4 minutes.

TOMATO, MOZZARELLA & PESTO PANINI

Steps:

• Preheat a panini grill machine or a heavy skillet.
• Core the tomatoes and slice tomatoes and mozzarella 1/4" thick.
• Place the bread slices on a cutting board(or work surface). Spread each slice evenly with pesto. Place a layer of mozzarella(about 2 slices) on half of the bread and cover with a layer of tomato. Sprinkle the tomato with a little kosher salt.
• Place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top. Spread the top and bottom of each sandwich with sotened butter.
• Grill the sandwiches in batches on the panini grill for 2-3 minutes, until the mozzarella starts to ooze out. If using a skillet, place a weight on top(I usually use another heavy cast iron skillet, or use a foil coverd brick, or other flat, heavy object. Cook 2-3 minutes, turn and cook other side 1-3 minutes.).
• Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!
• Note:.
• This is also excellent with a slice of roasted red bell pepper in it!

ITALIAN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Spread four bread slices with pesto. Layer with cheeses; top with remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with oil., In a large skillet over medium heat, toast sandwiches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cheese is melted. Serve with marinara if desired.